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Retreat Surprises

Saturday, July 29, 2017

I am currently at a quilting retreat, but I can reveal some secret sewing I've been doing!

The retreat is at the same location as the one I went to in February (read about that here), and most of the same group of quilters are here, too. I decided to make a few goodies for all my quilty friends to have something to take home from the retreat.

I will be the first to admit that bags aren't my thing, but I knew zipper pouches would be the perfect thing to gift! With LOTS of hand-holding from my best quilty friend, Heather, I am happy to report I've made 11 zipper pouches recently!The first was a surprise for Yvonne at Quilting JetGirl. I included some hexie papers, mini charms, needles in a needle case, and some Aurifil thread in hers. She hasn't ever done any EPP, so I thought I'd give her a gentle nudge!

After making Yvonne's zipper pouch, I jumped right in to making more! I started with a fat quarter bundle of Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Sew Caroline for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Each pouch has a different fabric for the lining from the outside fabric.

I raided my stash for zippers, finding JUST enough to make ten! I was shocked that almost any color worked with the fabrics! Most of the zippers are from garage sale and thrift store finds. I've had most of them for years! (Did I mention that I don't normally sew bags??) I'm now on a hunt to replenish my stock of zippers. (That makes it sound like I'm going to do this more often! Eek!)

Of course all the bags were sewn with Aurifil 50wt thread. I can't seem to use any color but white or natural white!

I chose not to use any interfacing in the bags. Primarily because I'm a novice and didn't want to complicate things. After finishing them, they would likely stand better with some interfacing, but I'm sure once a few things are put inside, they'll work just fine!

Once finished with the bags, I had two fat quarters left. I decided to use up my stash of keychain fob hardware and make matching key chains for everybody!

I had fun playing "Santa" with the goodies! I left a zipper pouch and keychain on everybody's sewing machine during the night, so it was a fun surprise when everyone woke up this morning!

I love making zipper pouches! They're fast and easy and so fun to mix different fabrics. I like the assembly line process you had going on there! I'm sure your friends love their gifts, they look fantastic!

I'm Laura! I'm a quilter, pattern designer, and homeschooling mom of three boys. I'm also an ex-math teacher - and with a last name like Piland - there's a strong love of pi in our house! I'd love for you to take a look around and leave a comment so I can get to know you! Let's sew something together!

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